Trotter agrees to terms

Free agent linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, released by the Eagles two weeks ago, has agreed to terms on a contract with the Bucs, according to his agent, Jimmy Sexton.

Trotter is believed to be preparing to sign a one-year deal. What role he will fill for the Bucs is unknown, but initially, he is likely to be the backup to Barrett Ruud at middle linebacker. The Bucs remain thin at the position after the retirement of Shelton Quarles in the offseason and the season-ending knee injury suffered by Antoine Cash in the preseason.

The 30-year-old Trotter, who first worked out for the Bucs on Aug. 23, has been to four Pro Bowls. But word is issues with his knees have made him less of a player these days. But for what the Bucs are looking for -- a stout run stopper in the middle -- Trotter probably still fits the bill.

But Trotter's weakness -- pass coverage -- probably means the Bucs will be limited in when they can use him. Look for Trotter to appear mostly in run situations.

Comments

[Ra'Shad]

If our defensive backs can handle there own out there in coverage, would could probably dibble in the 3-4 a little more. Then we would be able to use Trotter as pass rusher and a run stopper. Go bucs!!!!

[Ed]

Dude had little (if anything) left a few years ago when the Packers released him out of camp. Don't expect much here. Man, this is a desperate team....

[Keith]

Ed's an IDIOT!

He never went to camp with the Packers, idiot.

Who did the Bucs let go to sign him, though?

[Slooter]

Brooks will finally get injured this year, it is good to have Trotter for a backup LB/3-4 rotation LB.

[POLITIC]

YEAH ED IS A REAL DING BAT TROTTER WAS MY MAN ON THE EAGLES HE HITS LIKE AN EARTHQUAKE!!!!GO BUCS YALL

[Greg]

They released Jamie Winborn on Sat who was supposed to make the club, so that created extra room at linebacker.

[FDoug]

Great point Ed, except he has only played for the Eagles and Redskins. Trotter is the ultimate blue-collar player, and team leader. He will help this team, bad knees and all.

[Clint]

All I can say is....Thank you for signing Trotter! His best years may be behind him but, I still think he can add inspiration and character to this defence. Trotter came into camp(Eagles) in the best shape of career. Could we be seeing the beginning of the 3-4??

[Nick]

Ed needs to go to his Falcon site and hope he can win 2 games this year.lol

Tampa is shaping up to make a Championship run folks! Gruden offense hitting on all eight and we have one of the best if not the best LB crew in the league. Let's get this show on the road, NFC South belongs to Tampa Bay Buc'S!!

GO BUC'S GO!!

[Ricky]

I think Ed was thinking about Hardy Nickerson a couple of years back. If he was, its a shame because Ed your not a true bucs fan if you are bashing one of the best linebackers to wear a bucs uniform!

[Ricky]

Do you guys think that the bucs averaging 23 points per game in the preseason will spill over at all into the regular season?

[Daniel]

Ricky, Very little of the preseason transfers over to regular season. Hopefully we have improved O-line play, otherwise Garcia will be running for his life. I did see him running for his life alot during the preseason and hopefully O-line play will improve as our QB backups are not very experianced. We do have more weapons on O than we did last year and if everyone stays healthy we can suprise some people. I think the key to the Bucs success is the play of our defense, most experts do not regard the Bucs as a top defense anymore, if the new players gel, get some sacks and create some turnovers to give the O a short field, we might win a very weak NFC South. I'm sure you noticed there were alot of IF'S in my answer. We'll see.

[Ted H]

Trotter wasn't signed to back up anyone. Ruud will be back on the bench and Trotts will be starting by week 2. This guy can still play and he will be better than what the Bucs have at pass defense. He won't be a Pro Bowler but we will be solid.

Contrary to the implication of the article, Quarles was forced into retirement by the Bucs.

[Jason]

Sweet.. Trotter is a very good pick up. Even as a back he brings a history of leadership, and bone crushing hits.
Trotter is a pro's pro. Clint makes a good point about possibly firming up our 3-4 rotation. I definitely feel better about releasing Winborn.
Go Bucs!!

[bucs fan for life]

I think that the pick up of Trotter is a good pick up even if just for the experience factor. Rudd is still young and sharing a few snaps a game won't hurt him that much. But as for the bucs switching to a 3-4 it's not going to happen. We don't have the players for that. Kiffin is a cover 2 guy. And he's made it the most popular deffence in the league as well as around the nation why would we change?

[aaron]

i think at this point in ruud and trotters career their position on the team is established. Ruud starter and trotter the back up. i think he is a good backup. and he will be good when we go to a situational 3-4. he can also provide some knowledge and insight for ruud. but ruud deservers to start. it is his time now. quarles has passed to torch, and he will handle it well